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When is the best time to come?
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November until early April, is Thailand's "high season"
and the busiest time, when beach and weather conditions are perfect
(around 28C / 85F with a light breeze.)
Peak season - Christmas/New Year - good weather but you
should book both hotels and flights in advance as it gets very
busy throughout the country, and especially in Phuket.
From May to October - the weather is still good with mostly
sunny days interrupted by brief showers which don't last long
and certainly don't stop tours and activities. Lower prices for
accommodation and services and quieter beaches.
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Should I book accommodation before
I get there?
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Essential during high season, especially over Christmas/New
Year.
With direct on-line booking, you can search for a hotel, choose
your location, price and preferred facilities, and receive confirmation
immediately. click
here to see accommodation in all destinations
Excellent low season specials - May to October, superb value;
great accommodation at super prices.
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Accommodation - Where should I Stay?
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The choice is yours. There is an entire range of accommodation
possibilities from budget type bungalows to the full blown 5-star
luxury resort. You may like a quiet location away from the crowds,
or alternately, love to be in the action. Facilities and prices
vary according to the season. You can read up on each location
on our web pages and, if you need some extra help, check through
our Special Offers page to see what bargains are on offer. book
on-line for immediate confirmation.
Most nationalities do need to obtain a tourist or transit visa
to visit Thailand. However, as regulations change rapidly it is
advisable to check with a Thai Embassy or Consulate well before
your planned date of travel.
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What is the voltage and do I need an
adapter?
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Voltage is 220 volts, but you will need an adapter which can
be bought in most convenience stores.
You are more likely to get mugged in some leading capital cities
than be harmed by a terrorist attack in Thailand. The Thai government
however has taken all precautions in all major tourist areas to
ensure the general safety of visitors.
The usual advice regarding valuables, etc., applies as in any
holiday destination, although Thailand, generally has less crime
than many other nations and you are more likely to be parted from
your money by soft talking than any other means. Lock away travel
documents, money, credit cards and travellers checks wherever
possible in the hotel safe or safety deposit box. Don’t carry
large amounts of cash and keep your bag close to your person,
so that pick pockets and drive-by motorcycle thieves won’t be
tempted to try their luck.
Be wary of touts in tourist areas, selling services or
offering assistance. While unlikely to cause any physical harm,
they may cause you needless expense and to waste valuable time.
If you choose to follow-up on the advice of a tout, inspect what’s
on offer carefully and don’t feel obligated.
Lone travellers should be careful of people who might
wish to befriend them with offers of snacks, sweets or drinks.
Druggings are not unheard of and will leave you minus your luggage
and valuables.
Take the usual precautions regarding food and drink. Choose
food that looks fresh. If eating in open-air markets, eat food
that is prepared and cooked in front of you, avoiding raw vegetables
which may not have been washed. In general hygiene is very good
in Thailand but always wash fresh fruit and drink only bottled
water.
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Do people speak English in Thailand?
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English is widely spoken by locals in the tourist industry throughout
Thailand, although at different levels! Most Thai people will
try to help wherever possible and attempt some English. If you
make the effort to learn just a few words of Thai it will be greatly
appreciated.
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What clothes should I bring?
Loose and Lightweight cotton clothing is the most comfortable
for this tropical climate. Phuket, Samui and Pattaya are very
casual apart from the some of the more formal hotel restaurants.
Being beach resorts, you wear very casual clothing for almost
any occasion at most venues. Shorts, T-shirts and sandals are
the norm for daywear (men and women) and casual pants, short sleeve
shirts (men and women), and simple dresses and skirts (women)
ideal for night times. Do be respectful of the Thais’ opinion
towards nudity and dress codes in public places, especially temples.
Nude and topless sunbathing is really not approved of, and the
wearing of skimpy beach attire or minus a shirt in restaurants
is also frowned upon.
Bangkok is the capital city and therefore more sophisticated
and formal. While shorts and T shirts are accepted, you'll get
more respect if you wear less casual clothes. You will not be
allowed into certain places, e.g.., the Grand Palace wearing shorts
or singlets as this is considered disrespectful.
Do I need to bring my own sporting equipment?
Serious golfers may like to bring their own clubs, particularly
if you plan to play frequently during your stay. However if you
want to play a social game or two, gear can be hired at most courses.
Snorkel equipment can be hired or usually supplied on tours at
beach resorts.
What goods can/can’t I bring in
Import of illegal drugs, firearms and pornographic materials
is prohibited. A litre of wine or spirits per person and up to
200 cigarettes is allowed, along with a reasonable amount of clothing,
toiletries, and electronic items for personal use. Foreign cash
may be brought into the country without restriction.
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What kind of food can I find in Thailand?
Everything! From local Thai to French, Italian,
Japanese, Chinese, Mexican, Indian and more. Sophisticated restaurants,
beach cafes, garden outlets, , bakeries, delis, hawker stands and
local noodle shops.
Can I find vegetarian or Halal food in Thailand?
There are vegetarian dishes on most menus both
Thai and international. Restaurants selling Halal food can be found
all around Phuket.
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Is Thailand a good place to bring kids?
Judging by the numbers of families that visit Phuket
each year Phuket is certainly suitable for a family holiday. Thais
are very welcoming and tolerant towards children. For older children
there are water sports, diving (PADI courses for those over 12 years)
mini golf, beach activities and bowling. (Two brand new bowling
centres have recently opened) Take the usual precautions about health
drink bottled water only and wash hands frequently to ward off any
bugs.
What activities are there for kids?
Most kids just enjoy being by the beach, but if
they get bored there's elephant trekking, safaris, visits to the
zoo and aquarium, animal centres, mini golf, visits to open air
markets, bowling, go-kart racing, horse riding, and much much more.
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Are there any special festivals or events I should consider?
There are various festivals throughout the year.
Some are held annually on the same date every year while others
vary with the lunar calendar and change their dates from year to
year. Check this link to Festivals and Events to see what
is coming up this year.
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Where do you recommend I go in Thailand?
Choosing tours is sometimes like going in a lucky
dip. There are so many options available and you’re not sure what
each are going to be like. Our advice is to research a little before
hand on your options and ask the advice of those who have been before.
Generally the less expensive tours have more people, less choice
on the lunches, and arrive at their destinations when everyone else
does. Then visit our Travel Forum to post your questions or see
what other people recommend.
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 What
credit cards can I use?
Visa and Mastercard are widely used at major hotels
and some restaurants, AMEX is not accepted everywhere. Small hotels,
restaurants and many shops do not accept credit cards so be prepared.
Use your credit card to obtain cash from ATM’s. This is the cheapest
way to obtain Thai Baht. ATM/s are located in the main tourist areas,
department stores, and outside banks. . You can also withdraw cash
on your credit cards from local exchange tellers but need to show
your passport.
Are travellers checks accepted in Thailand?
Yes. Foreign denomination checks are easily exchanged
for cash. However it is not the cheapest way to buy Thai Baht. Foreign
exchange counters are located in all major tourist areas. Remember
always take your passport.
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